There’s no shortage of clever strategies in the world of online shopping. But while we’re out hunting bargains, cybercriminals are hunting us. So here’s how to stay one step ahead and ensure Black Friday is a celebration of good deals—not a data disaster.
1. Don’t let FOMO lead you into a phishing trap
Picture this: You’ve got 15 minutes to claim a “70% off” deal, and your heart is racing. But before clicking, take a deep breath and verify the sender. Phishing scams often ramp up with promises of flash deals—they know FOMO is a powerful tool. Look closely at email addresses (is it really BestBuy.com, or is it Best-Buys.com?) and check for spelling errors. If in doubt, go to the retailer’s website directly rather than clicking through.
2. Stay in your shopping lane—on trusted, verified sites
There’s no need to stray into sketchy territory when there are deals aplenty from known retailers. Remember, the ultimate Black Friday experience doesn’t involve being redirected to “bestbargains-for-you.com”. Stick with trusted retailers like Amazon, Takealot, Temu, or any brand you’d actually call customer service for. If the website lacks that “https” padlock symbol, take it as a cue to move on.
3. Treat public Wi-Fi like your dodgy ex—Don’t trust it with your secrets
Yes, it’s tempting to score deals while sipping a latte, but public Wi-Fi is the pickpocket’s paradise of the digital age. If you must shop outside of your secure home network, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Think of it as a private tunnel that keeps your shopping spree hidden from nosy hackers. It’s like whispering sweet nothings to the retailer rather than announcing your bank details to the café crowd.
4. Don’t reuse passwords. Seriously.
Reusing passwords is like using the same key for your house, car, and office—one theft, and you’re compromised everywhere. Use unique passwords for each site (no, “password123” is not unique), and consider a password manager to do the heavy lifting. If remembering each password feels like a chore, remember this: resetting your identity is a far bigger headache than remembering a few clever combinations.
5. Two-factor authentication: The digital double-lock
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is like insisting on a bouncer for your VIP Black Friday experience. It’s one thing for a hacker to guess your password, but adding a code from your phone makes it twice as hard to break in. Think of it as the virtual equivalent of “name on the list”—an added barrier to keep your cash and data safe.
6. Monitor your bank statements like you’re looking for a lost lotto ticket
If you’ve been swipe-happy all weekend, get in the habit of checking your bank account daily. Look for transactions you don’t remember making (no, that mysterious $40 wasn’t part of your Christmas list). Banks can be surprisingly helpful if you catch issues early. But just like returning an ugly sweater, the sooner you report suspicious activity, the better.
7. Retailers don’t need your life story. Be stingy with data.
Does a retailer really need your middle name, mother’s maiden name, or the name of your childhood pet? No. Most sites need little more than your address and payment details. Any more is an invitation for identity theft. And if they insist on it, consider whether their sale is worth the price of your privacy.
8. Skip the “save card” option—It’s like leaving your wallet at the store
Sure, it’s easy to save your card details for “one-click” checkout. But easy isn’t always safe. If the site is breached, your card data could end up on the digital black market faster than you can say “flash sale”. For added peace of mind, consider paying with a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay—safe and simple without all the cyber risk.
9. Beware the dangers of “impulse apps” and clone sites
Got an app recommendation from a friend-of-a-friend’s cousin? Exercise caution. Clones of popular apps or fake Black Friday sites are becoming more common. Verify apps in official app stores, and scrutinise URLs—tiny changes in the address can signal a scam. Just like you wouldn’t buy off the back of a truck, avoid deals that don’t quite look right.
10. Use ads sparingly—Like Carolina Reaper chilli on your chips
Social media loves to bombard you with exclusive deals, but ads are often the digital equivalent of shady back-alley salesmen. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s website for deals rather than risking the wild west of clickbait.
End thoughts
So, as you dive into Black Friday, channel a bit of savvy: apply these principles, and avoid deals that leave you with buyer’s regret—or worse, hacked accounts. After all, the real bargain is keeping both your finances and data intact while you indulge in the sales. Happy (and safe) shopping!
How ITLawCo can help
And remember, if navigating this cyber maze feels like too much to tackle alone, ITLawCo is here to guide you through it. We specialise in crafting security solutions that protect businesses and individuals from cyber threats—especially during high-risk times like Black Friday. From customised information security policies to cyber hygiene training and real-time threat monitoring, we help our clients stay ahead of cybercriminals who see holiday shopping as a golden opportunity.
So, whether you’re a retailer wanting to bolster your defences or a consumer curious about how to keep your data safe, reach out to ITLawCo. We’ll help ensure that, even in the frenzy of Black Friday, your data remains private, secure, and in your control. Because a good deal is one that doesn’t compromise your peace of mind.
